Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire will take effect Wednesday morning, Biden says
A historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah is set to take effect on Wednesday following successful negotiations facilitated by the United States and France. The agreement, which has been accepted by both parties, marks the end of a long-standing conflict that has claimed the lives of thousands of individuals since it was sparked by the Gaza war last year. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire, emphasizing that it is intended to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The ceasefire deal, approved by Israel’s security cabinet in a 10-1 vote, paves the way for an orderly withdrawal of Israeli forces over a 60-day period. During this time, Lebanon’s army will assume control of territories near the border to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its infrastructure in the area. President Biden assured that civilians on both sides will soon be able to return safely to their communities, bringing much-needed relief to the war-torn region.
French President Emmanuel Macron lauded the signing of the agreement, calling it the culmination of months of collaborative efforts with Israeli and Lebanese authorities, alongside the United States. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the deal, expressing his government’s commitment to deploying troops in southern Lebanon as Israeli forces withdraw. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his readiness to enforce the ceasefire and respond decisively to any violations by Hezbollah.
In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commended the ceasefire as a crucial step towards stability and security in the region, thanking France and the U.S. for their instrumental roles in brokering the agreement. The United Nations’ special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, praised the ceasefire deal, urging both parties to deliver on their commitments to consolidate the progress achieved.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, Israel intensified its airstrikes in Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, resulting in casualties and widespread destruction. The Israeli military targeted Hezbollah’s financial systems, including a money-exchange office, in an effort to weaken the militant group. Hezbollah retaliated by launching rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli air defenses to intercept incoming projectiles.
As the ceasefire takes effect, hopes for a lasting peace and the return of displaced civilians to their homes in southern Lebanon are high. However, challenges remain, with opposition within Israel advocating for a depopulated buffer zone along the border. It remains to be seen how both sides will navigate the implementation of the ceasefire and work towards a sustainable peace in the region.
